Leave It on the Floor

Leave It on the Floor is a musical drama film that was released in 2011. Directed by Sheldon Larry, the movie tells the story of a young man named Brad who is kicked out of his house after revealing his homosexuality to his mother. Brad goes to live with his aunt and ends up immersing himself in the world of ball culture, where he finds a family and a sense of belonging.

The movie takes place in Los Angeles and is set in the late 2000s. It opens with Brad (Ephraim Sykes) being thrown out of his house by his mother after a heated argument about his sexuality. Brad is devastated and has nowhere to turn. He ends up on the doorstep of his aunt, Tia (Miss Barbie-Q), who lives in a run-down apartment complex in the heart of the city.

Tia is a drag queen who takes Brad in and introduces him to the world of ball culture. Ball culture is a subculture that originated in Harlem and was made famous by the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning. The culture revolves around competitions called balls, where members of the LGBT community come together to perform and compete in various categories, such as voguing, runway, and realness.

Brad is hesitant at first but eventually gets caught up in the excitement of the balls. He starts attending them regularly and meets a group of people who become his family. Queef Latina (Barbie-Q) becomes his mother figure, and Princess Eminence (Andre Myers) becomes his love interest. Brad also meets a dancer named Carter (Phillip Evelyn), who becomes his rival.

The movie revolves around the relationships between Brad and his new family. It explores the themes of acceptance, identity, and self-discovery. The characters are all struggling with their own issues and use the balls as a way to escape from their problems. The balls are a place where they can be themselves and express their creativity.

The musical aspect of the movie is also a significant part of the story. The characters break out into song and dance frequently, and the music is a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and house. The choreography is impressive, and the performances by the cast are excellent.

The movie also touches on the darker side of the ball culture. It shows the harsh reality of being a part of the LGBT community and the discrimination and prejudice they face. The characters are all fighting for acceptance, both within their community and outside of it. It paints a realistic picture of the struggles that many LGBT people face in society.

One of the standout performances in the movie is by Andre Myers, who plays Princess Eminence. Myers brings a vulnerability and depth to his character that is mesmerizing to watch. He shines in the musical numbers and delivers a powerful performance that is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring.

Overall, Leave It on the Floor is a must-watch movie for fans of musicals and those interested in the LGBT community. It is a vibrant and colorful film that explores important themes and features exceptional performances by its cast. It is a celebration of identity and self-expression and a reminder of the power of community and belonging.